Biju Yuva Vahini members illegally transferred gochar land to their names, allege locals

Koraput: The locals of Maliguda and Goudaguda villages under Manbar panchayat in the district have alleged grabbing of 'gochar' (grazing) land by the activists of Biju Yuva Vahini (BYV) in their locality.

The villagers alleged that the members of BYV influenced some unscrupulous revenue officials and transferred the land to their names.

Protesting the move, hundreds of residents of both the villages submitted a memorandum to the Sub Collector of Koraput, Lalit Mohan Kanhar demanding release of the land.

"The Tehsildar and RI gave away some three to four cents of gochar land between Maliguda and Goudaguda to some BYV members of other village. When we inquired the matter at the Tehsil office, they confirmed that the land has already been allotted to them," said a local, Gopinath Mali.

Meanwhile, Kanhar has assured an investigation into the matter by a competent authority.

"A gochar land can be given away to people by de-reserving it, provided there is sufficient land for grazing in the village. They are saying that four cent of the gochar land has been allotted but it's not mentioned in the application. However, the matter will be inquired by appropriate authorities," informed the Sub Collector.